Rebate Financial Services

NAB (Nationals Australia Bank)

National Australia Bank

Investment / insurance bonds

Insurance bonds, sometimes also known as investment bonds, seem to be enjoying a resurgence in popularity of late. For investors who previously would have sought the taxation shelter of superannuation, insurance bonds provide another tax-effective avenue without contribution limits. However, these products can be used for a multitude of other purposes, such as solving certain estate planning issues; increasing the age pension for retirees; and as an investment alternative for people who are seeking to preserve their capital without receiving income payments.

The Industry vs Retail Superannuation fund debate

Are Industry Funds really cheaper? This point is arguable. There is no doubt that Industry funds do not pay commissions to financial advisors, however they have far higher costs associated with managing their investments.

Is Life Insurance Important?

We insure our houses and cars, why don't more of us insure the income that allows us to afford them in the first place? 

Australian Economy Resists Recession - June 2009

Australia's gross domestic product grew at a better than expected 0.4% per cent in the first three months of 2009, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This unexpected positive figure means that we have avoided two consecutive quarters of economic contraction, the definition of a ''recession''.

Economic Update May 2009

While the media and Federal Government have seemed keen to advertise that the economy is already in recession, and this may well be the case, the Reserve Bank has been far less eager to announce this. However, the RBA has now finally conceded that Australia will join the rest of the developed world in recession, although they have also noted that we are well placed to avoid the worst of the problems that are afflicting our major trading partners. The RBA is forecasting negative quarterly GDP outcomes for the next three quarters.  Real GDP is expected to fall by 1.25% in the year to June 2009.

Why is my super not performing?

While the turnaround in world equity markets has granted super fund members a welcome reprieve, but the bad news is many

super funds will likely lag the recovery for some time. In March, the average balanced fund (invested 60% to 76% in growth

assets such as shares and property) moved back into the black with a return of just over 2%, according to researcher

SuperRatings.

Reserve Bank interest rate cut April 2009, what does it mean?

The Reserve Bank cut the cash rate by 0.25% on 7th April 2009. Financial markets had attached around a 70% probability of a rate cut of 0.50%, but there were also a large percentage of economists who predicted no change.

Which Fund Manager made a profit for its clients during 2008?

With the value of many investment portfolios down 30%-40% during 2008, many investors have been left to think whether there is still anywhere worth putting their money. 

Asset Allocation During 2009

There is a school of thought that investment returns have very little to do with individual investments and are most affected by asset allocation. One of the major advantages of managed investment products is that they give investors the opportunity to allocate money into a wide range of areas, some of which would be difficult to access directly.